Facts About Social Security Disability Insurance

Disability affects an average of one in every six working Americans. It often results in financial hardship. Disabled individuals face unique challenges such as limited work abilities, long-lasting impairments, and more.

Supplemental Security Income and Social Security disability insurance are essential for more than 12 million people. America’s Social Security system offers critical lifelines through these programs to provide major assistance for those in need.

Who Receives Social Security Disability Benefits?

The individuals who receive SSD benefits includes disabled adult children, disabled widows or widowers, disabled workers, and others.

The latest numbers show that the average amount received in SSDI payments is $1,258 per month. Some payments can be as high as $1,800 per month, while others are as low $800 per month. Payments may be reduced if the recipient is receiving disability payments from sources other than Social Security.

Individuals who receive Social Security Disability benefits are also able to earn money through employment while still receiving their Social Security payments. Except for the case of blindness, an individual’s earnings cannot exceed approximately $1,200 per month. The limit is increased in the case of blindness.

Supplemental Security Disability Insurance Standards

Reserved for workers with severe conditions of disability, Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security use the same strict standards for disability. These standards say that the individual is not able to engage in gainful activity considered substantial due to either mental or physical impairments. These impairments are expected to last at least one year and could potentially result in death. So severe must an impairment or combination of impairments be that the applicant cannot perform previous work tasks. Additionally, considering their work experience, education, and age, the individual cannot engage in other gainful activity considered substantial.

Additional Requirements for SSD Beneficiaries

There is a five-month waiting period for workers to qualify for SSD benefits. Additionally, the worker must have been employed for at least 5 years during the 10 years prior to the onset of the disability.

Before qualifying for Supplemental Security or Disability Insurance, the SSA states that workers must exhaust all of the other benefits available to them. For individuals with little or no ability to work, or those with severe disabilities, participating in Social Security Disability programs should be considered a last resort.

Cardinal Law Partners – Social Security Disability Experience

Retirement benefits are NOT the only benefits available through the Social Security Administration. There are various programs disabled individuals can take advantage of through the SSA to seek compensation for injuries or disabilities.

Instead of trying to navigate all of the rules and regulations of the legal components within Social Security, work with a trusted legal partner. The attorneys at Cardinal Law Partners help individuals secure Social Security benefits on a regular basis. We’ll work with you to ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve.

Contact us today to discuss your SSD benefits. The first consultation is free.